Takoma Park Middle School

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60 Minutes of Middle School Math: What You Should Know and What You Can Do

The following information has been put out by the MCCPTA MCCPTA VP Education and Curriculum Committee regarding proposed district wide bell schedule changes that impact Middle Schoolers. 

To PT(S)A leaders and members,

You may have seen the October 8 Board of Education meeting or the latest MCPS Things to Know update about possible changes to middle school schedules. These discussions are connected to Maryland’s requirement for more math instructional time. See the BOE meeting video HERE. We suggest you start at timestamp 1:10:08. You’ll find the 60-minute math slide at timestamp 1:12:13.

What does the state require?

Maryland’s mathematics policy requires that all students in grades K–8 receive at least 60 cumulative minutes of math instruction daily, or the equivalent of 300 minutes weekly. The Maryland State Board of Education (MSDE) adopted this state requirement, not MCPS.

In August, the State Board voted to delay implementation from the 2027–28 school year to 2028–29. The delay gives districts more time to plan, but it does not remove the requirement.

What could this mean for MCPS middle school students?

MCPS is considering scheduling changes that include 60-minute classes in English, math, science, and social studies. The state’s math requirement does not itself require 60-minute classes in the other three subjects. Those additional changes are part of MCPS’ scheduling discussion.

Within a fixed school day, longer core classes could leave less room for world languages, music, art, technology, physical education, and other learning opportunities. Families should also ask whether students who need additional academic support would have fewer opportunities to take electives.

Changes could affect staffing, course availability, and the scheduling of specialized programs. These are important questions to investigate, not outcomes families should assume have already been decided.

MCPS has announced a delay in its middle school planning and implementation process. Its October 8 update describes the proposals as still under consideration, with additional time for review and community engagement.

We can support stronger math instruction and ask the state to change this requirement.

Every student deserves effective math instruction, appropriate challenge, and additional support when needed. Families can ask the state to explain why a uniform time requirement is the right approach for every middle school student, and how it will protect access to a well-rounded education.

What can parents do now?

1. Ask state leaders to revise the middle school requirement.

Email the Maryland State Board of Education at stateboard.msde@maryland.gov  and State Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright at carey.wright@maryland.gov. Also consider emailing the state board of education and its members.

State Board (all members at once)

State Board members (individual); but I would also use individual emails

Copy-paste version (everyone):

stateboard.msde@maryland.gov, joshua.michael1@maryland.gov, james.bell2@maryland.gov, lorena.wu@maryland.gov, peggy.carr@maryland.gov, chet.chesterfield@maryland.gov, kenny.clash@maryland.gov,  monica.goldson@maryland.gov, nicholas.greer@maryland.gov,  irma.johnson@maryland.gov, marcy.leonard@maryland.gov, kimberly.lewis1@maryland.gov, xiomara.medina@maryland.gov,  nicole.murraylewis@maryland.gov, samir.paul@maryland.gov, carey.wright@maryland.gov, msde.mathematics@maryland.gov, lyndsey.brightful@maryland.gov, stacie.marvin@maryland.gov, erin.godwin@maryland.gov, rachel.mcclam@maryland.gov, jen.meehan@maryland.gov, miryam.oziel@maryland.gov, robert.richardson@maryland.gov

Ask them to remove the blanket middle school minutes requirement or replace it with a more flexible approach that supports strong math instruction, provides additional time based on student needs, and preserves electives.

You can use this message:

“I am an MCPS parent requesting that the State Board revise the requirement for 60 daily or 300 weekly minutes of math for all middle school students. I support improving math achievement and ensuring students receive the support they need. However, I am concerned that this requirement could reduce access to world languages, arts, technology, and other essential learning opportunities—particularly for students who also need support services. Please share the research supporting this specific time requirement and assess its scheduling, staffing, and equity impacts. I urge you to allow districts greater flexibility to meet students’ math needs while preserving a well-rounded middle school education.”

Add a few sentences about your child and the opportunities you want protected.

2. Make your voice heard at a State Board meeting.

Parents can submit written comments or register to speak. Visit the State Board’s public comment page for registration instructions. Speaking time is limited to three minutes.

3. Ask MCPS for transparent planning and meaningful family input.

Contact Superintendent Taylor and the Montgomery County Board of Education. Ask MCPS to share schedule alternatives, explain which changes are required by the state, and show how each option would affect electives, support services, specialized programs, and staffing. Ask for opportunities to provide feedback before decisions are finalized.

4. Share this information with your school community.

Elementary families have a stake in this, too: today’s elementary students will enter middle school as these changes take effect. Share this message with your PTA and other parents.

The implementation delay creates an opportunity to advocate now. Let’s ask state and local leaders for an approach that strengthens math learning while protecting the full range of opportunities our children need.

Sincerely,

Audra Dove, MCCPTA VP Education

Regan Kelly, MCCPTA Curriculum Committee Chair

Emily Appel, MCCPTA Curriculum Committee Vice Chair